DFT @ HOME is a virtual screening room that presents new Detroit Film Theatre selections every week, all week, at your convenience. In addition to providing access to the best new international feature films and documentaries as they become available, the DIA will receive revenue from every ticket sold, helping to assure that when the current crisis is over, the DFT’s beloved, 1927 vintage auditorium will be ready to greet you again. We continue to offer free streaming recommendations for families and seniors here >

Clicking on the links in the film descriptions will take you to the distributor’s web page, where you’ll be walked through the simple process of purchasing a ticket. You’ll also find information on addressing technical questions or streaming problems. Pricing and viewing parameters are set by distributors and will vary for some films. 

Available April 17-May 1 

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes (Canada/2019—directed by Alison Reid) 

In 1956, four years before Jane Goodall ventured into the world of chimpanzees, and seven years before Dian Fossey left to work with mountain gorillas, 23-year-old biologist Anne Innis Dagg made an unprecedented solo journey to South Africa to study giraffes in the wild. In The Woman Who Loves Giraffes, Anne, now 86, retraces her steps, and with stunning, preserved original 16mm film footage she offers an intimate window into her life as a young woman, juxtaposed with a first-hand look at the devastating reality that giraffes are facing today. The world’s first ‘giraffologist’, whose research became the foundation for scientists following in her footsteps, has lived to see the species she loves experience unexpected triumphs along with the setbacks. This enthralling new documentary gives us a moving perspective on both. 

“The inspiring saga of a woman who blazed trails in her field offers delights for viewers of all ages!” —Elizabeth Weitzman, THE WRAP 

“This warm documentary uses one woman’s singular passion to fuel a tale of discovery. When we see this remarkable woman, once overlooked and uncelebrated, return to the scene of her pioneering research, it’s clear she’s finally back where she belongs.”  —Jeannette Catsoulis, THE NEW YORK TIMES 

Access a screening of The Woman Who Loves Giraffes here >(opens in new window)

Available through May 31 

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael  (USA/2019—directed by Rob Garver) 

In a field that historically embraced few women film critics, Pauline Kael (1919-2001) was not only controversial, witty and fiercely discerning, she was, as Roger Ebert wrote, “The most powerful, loved, and hated film critic of her time.” Her decades of reviews at The New Yorker energized fans and infuriated detractors on a weekly basis – while inspiring a generation of young filmmakers.

Her turbo-charged prose championed the New Hollywood directors of the 1960s and ’70s (Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese, Brian de Palma) and her insightful analyses brought a transcendent new passion to film criticism; a fearless voice at a revolutionary moment in movie history. In this long-overdue documentary tribute, Sarah Jessica Parker voices Kael’s reviews; Quentin Tarantino, Paul Schrader, Francis Ford Coppola and critics Camille Paglia, Molly Haskell and David Edelstein speak to her enormous gifts and lasting influence.

“Arguably the greatest film critic who ever lived. You got addicted to her freedom of thought, and the film does a fantastic job of channeling it.” -Owen Gleiberman, VARIETY 

Access a screening of What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael here >(opens in new window)

Ongoing engagement! 

Best of Catvideofest: Creature Comforts Edition

45 minutes of pure, spirit-lifting pleasure for the entire family. Buy a ticket at our suggested minimum price of $5 and you’ll greatly benefit us, providing the Detroit Film Theatre with the “lion’s share” (sorry) of the proceeds! Ready? Click here to watch >